By Bryan Eneas

James Smith Cree Nation putting environment ahead of industry

Nov 15, 2016 | 9:10 AM

Leaders from one of Saskatchewan’s Cree Nations say they plan to take steps against industry stakeholders to protect their lands for future generations.

After laborious dealings with Husky Energy, Chief Wally Burns of the James Smith Cree Nation (JSCN) said they will cautiously approach future industry dealings.

“Industry right now doesn’t really get the fact that they’re on reserve land, and it affects our communities,” Burns said. “This is not about the funds, it’s about the environment.”

Nearly 100 different nations from B.C. to Quebec, and several states, have come together to create the Treaty Alliance, an Indigenous coalition standing against pipelines. So far, the alliance has been devoid of Saskatchewan representation, but that may change according to Burns.

“The whole Treaty 6 area, we’ll probably join that initiative,” Burns said. “The way I see it, I think this has to happen, because who knows what could happen [in the future].”

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Burns isn’t alone in his thinking. Alvin Moostoos, one of the councillors responsible for the Cree Nation’s land portfolio is also interested in the alliance.

“We haven’t discussed it yet, but if that’s the case we’ll probably be on board with what we can. The way it’s going right now, [industry] never negotiates in good faith,” Moostoos said. “They try to give us the bone instead of the meat off the bone.” 

He said he would like to see companies take caution when working around the river.

“The South Saskatchewan River has taken quite a beating already,” Moostoos said. “These companies have to be more careful with containment, rather than the breach of containment. That’s where they’re going to run into problems with breach.”

According to Burns and Chief Robert Head, from the Peter Chapman First Nation, part of the JSCN, Husky Energy has not had any discussions with the Cree Nation since clean-up efforts started.

The Cree Nation is in the midst of multiple different battles.

Shore Gold’s Star Orion project was projected as 95 kilometers from the community. In reality, it is four kilometers away. Burns said he is now asking for an impact benefit agreement from Shore Gold.

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On twitter: @BryanEneas